Comprehensive Plan Updates

Review Requirements

The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the county to periodically review and revise its comprehensive plan and development regulations under RCW 36.70A.130(1).

Additionally, the GMA requires review of urban growth areas (UGAs) under RCW 36.70A.130(3). The UGAs must be able to accommodate population and employment growth projected for the 20-year planning period. Therefore, Whatcom County has initiated a multi-year project to update its Comprehensive Plan.

The Whatcom County Planning Commission issued recommendations on January 14, 2016. These recommendations, and the Planning Commission’s findings, are posted below.

The County Council reviewed the Comprehensive Plan, including UGA proposals, between January and August 2016. This review included staff briefings, review of Planning Commission recommendations, city presentations, public hearings, and consideration of public input. The Council adopted Ordinance 2016-034 relating to the Comprehensive Plan update and UGA review on August 9, 2016